Does Jon Jones Need to Beat Anderson Silva to be Considered an All-Time Great?

As Jon Jones (17-1) continues his dominant UFC run, he thinks there is no need to defeat Anderson Silva (33-4) to be called the best. While Jones isn't currently looking for that fight, his decision could change based on priorities.

"I'm not saying that the fight will not happen, but it is something that I am not chasing," said Jones to Mail Brasiliense. "It is among my goals, but I do not believe that you need to fight with Anderson to be the best in the world. I guess I just have to keep fighting to be the best of all."

One of Jones' current goals is to become the most dominant light heavyweight champion. The youngest UFC champion has scored four title defenses since winning the gold in March 2011. Three of the four names he defeated where former champions themselves. He most recently submitted Vitor Belfort (21-10) in September.

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Silva is undefeated since joining the UFC roster and is considered by some the greatest fighter in the world. Of his 16 UFC wins, he has finished 14 of those fights. He has defended his middleweight championship a record 10 times. He fought earlier this month earning a quick TKO against Stephan Bonnar (15-8) as light heavyweight.

Jones returns to action in April to fight Chael Sonnen (27-12-1). Silva's next fight is not clear.

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"I don't want to be the guy who beat Anderson and don't want to be the guy who lost to him," said Jones. "We're both champions."